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Old Trafford Cricket

Official Review by David Moulson, Stadium Journey Special Correspondent

Under a full renovation in 2012, Old Trafford Cricket Ground is one of the United Kingdom's best cricket grounds. Situated just outside of the City Center in Manchester, this is easily accessed and a wonderful location for cricket.

It has been the home to Lancashire County Cricket Club since 1864 and with renovation work underway at present I can see this being their home for many, many years to come.

Old Trafford has seen some of the greatest players grace its turf since its opening in 1857, including Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff, Sir Ian Botham, Clive Lloyd, Sachin Tendulkar and Wasim Akram just to name a few.

3.6

What is FANFARE?

The FANFARE scale is our metric device for rating each stadium experience. It covers the following:

Food & Beverage

Atmosphere

Neighborhood

Fans

Access

Return on Investment

Extras

Each area is rated from 0 to 5 stars with 5 being the best. The overall composite score is the "FANFARE Score".

Food & Beverage
4

With a massive difference in terms of crowds between Twenty20 and a normal 4 day County Championship ground, there was just the one catering van at the game I attended, along with an ice cream van.

There is also LCCC catering in the members sections which provides everything food wise from sandwiches straight through to snacks like crisps and chocolate.

Prices are reasonable but take plenty of money with you if you will be indulging in any alcoholic beverages.

Atmosphere
2

There isn't as good an atmosphere as a Twenty20 game, but everyone that was there seemed to be enjoying the occasion.

4 day cricket has never really pulled in massive crowds but the section that was open was full for this occasion.

Neighborhood
5

With the neighboring Old Trafford Football Ground just a 5 minute walk from the ground, you do get a lot of people going to the cricket first before kick off at the football as the cricket ground is used for parking.

Just ten minutes away from Manchester City Center, the city night life is right on your door step. Whether it is a cinema at the IMAX cinema on Deansgate, all of the night clubs for a bit of partying after close of play or if it is a concert at the Manchester Evening News Arena.

The Etihad Stadium is also just a 20 minute ride away from the ground. This the home of Manchester City.

Fans
3

Lancashire has a good following from old and also young. Lancashire have their own junior fan club, called the Thunderbolts, which is headed by a different player each season and also club mascot Lanky the Giraffe. Also, you can get membership for the season as well as life membership.

Access
4

Old Trafford Cricket Ground is easy to get no matter how you are arriving to the ground.

By car, just follow the signs off the M56 and follow Old Trafford Football Ground, then turn right instead of left once you get to Sir Matt Busby Way.

The Metrolink from Altrincham and also Manchester City Center stops directly next to the cricket ground.

Manchester Airport is just 30 minutes away by car also.

Return on Investment
3

Prices vary depending on which format of the game you will be watching. All prices vary again from County Championship, Pro40, Twenty20, 2nd XI, Test Match, One Day International and T20 International.

The ticket for my visit was £10 and was airly priced for the experience I had at the ground.

Extras
4

There is a number of add ons you can get to enhance your experience. First, there is The Point (what's the point I hear you ask). It is a business center for all the associates and anyone lucky enough to get their company tickets.

Also there is the Old Trafford Lodge, the hotel which overlooks the playing surface at Old Trafford. Rooms are available for all forms of cricket.

The club shop is sponsored by kukri sports and sells a wide range of products and merchandise.

Finally, the Old Trafford Indoor School is where you can get coaching or look around the other kukri sports shop.